2004 Fiat Ducato 2.8L Diesel · WA54 CDV

Fuel economy on the 2.8-litre JTD Ducato is typically in the 28-34 mpg range depending on load and driving style — reasonable for a vehicle of this size and age, but expect worse figures if the van is used for heavy work. Road tax for a diesel van of this age will fall into a higher bracket than modern Euro 6 equivalents, and you should verify the current VED band before purchase. Insurance for commercial vans tends to be moderate, but check whether the policy covers business or private use only.

Routine maintenance on a 22-year-old commercial diesel includes frequent oil and filter changes (every 6,000-8,000 miles is sensible for a working van), brake wear items, and the inevitable replacement of ageing rubber components. Parts availability for the Ducato is good thanks to its popularity with converters and motorhome builders, but labour costs at a commercial vehicle specialist typically run £60-£90 per hour. Estimated annual running costs for a van of this age and profile would be in the region of £1,200-£1,800, accounting for fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance.

Start with the structural areas flagged in the June 2024 MOT failure. Jack the vehicle and inspect the nearside chassis leg and front cross member with a torch — look for fresh welding, underseal, or patches of underseal hiding further corrosion. Tap suspect areas with a screwdriver handle; a solid ring indicates sound metal, a dull thud suggests hidden corrosion. The fact that a cross member was described as holed two years ago means adjacent areas should be checked thoroughly, as corrosion tends to spread along structural members.

Check the driveshaft and its seals on both sides for fresh oil leaks — the June 2024 failure noted the nearside seal was weeping. Driveshaft oil contamination can damage CV joints and the gearbox output seal if left unaddressed. Examine the front radiator carrier (flagged as corroded in April 2024) for any further deterioration. Given that headlamp issues are the top MOT failure reason for Ducatos according to the model aggregate data, check both headlamps for condensation, cracked lenses, and correct beam alignment.

For the 2.8-litre diesel, listen on cold start for excessive smoke from the turbo or engine, which could indicate worn turbo seals or piston ring wear. Check the injector pipes and connections for diesel staining — injector return pipes on these engines are prone to weeping. Inspect the timing belt cover for signs of recent work; if there's no record of a timing belt change in the last 60,000 miles or five years, factor that cost (£400-£600 including parts and labour) into your purchase decision. Finally, examine the load area floor, wheel arches, and sills for the corrosion patterns typical of commercial vans used for wet or salt-laden loads.